2017 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival: August 31, 2017 - November 13, 2017

[Kteacher]

Here is a quick review of last night's PFTS:
Background: We were a party of 3 in the WVL. We've attended many previous PFTS, one person in our party has been coming since they were held in the Horizons building.
The skies opened up just prior to the beginning, so people were allowed to wait inside. When we checked in we were told that everyone would be allowed into the party at the same time. Previous years WVL had some extra time, so we were kind of . They did let WVL in a little early, so why we were told at check in that they weren't going to do this was confusing.
There were tables everywhere, which made it difficult to move around. The food can best be described as mediocre. It was definitely not what we've experienced in the past. A few examples: the red velvet white chocolate doughnut with candied bacon was basically dough with red food coloring, a tiny bit of cream filling, and a minuscule square of candied bacon. I've never met a doughnut I didn't like, but took one bite and left the rest. There were a few dishes that were good, but for the most part the food was just okay.
The entertainment was a DJ and a live band playing standards, which was nice. Warren, the best bartender ever, was back. The rolling cheese cart was cute, but as someone pointed out from the first PFTS this season, if you weren't in your seat you missed it.
We're not sure we'll be back. We paid a lot to attend, and just did not feel the value was there this time. We spoke to a manager, who listened to our concerns, asked us questions, and entered information into her iPad. We stressed that the staff in the WVL were outstanding. So, as with anything, there may be different opinions, but for us it was probably a 4 on a scale of 1-10.

 

[JerseyJanice]

I'm sorry you had such a disappointing experience, Kteacher.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Here is a quick review of last night's PFTS: ...
... We're not sure we'll be back. We paid a lot to attend, and just did not feel the value was there this time. We spoke to a manager, who listened to our concerns, asked us questions, and entered information into her iPad. We stressed that the staff in the WVL were outstanding. So, as with anything, there may be different opinions, but for us it was probably a 4 on a scale of 1-10.

Thanks for the review! Sorry to hear the event didn't live up to expectations. The early entry is one of the prime WVL benefits - was it b/c of the rain? I guess I can understand that but you'd think there would be a contingency plan as rain not exactly unusual.

Did they move the bar back into WVL? In the first party, it was backstage.

Really sorry the food was sub-par. That's just adding insult to injury!

Happy to hear the manager took the feedback. Hopefully they can make some tweaks. Like you, I'm not sure I'd invest in WVL again. I agree the value just wasn't there.

 

[randumb0]

I never realized that WVL was so popular

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I never realized that WVL was so popular

I suspect the population sample here on DISboards and this thread may be slightly more Disney and food obsessed than most. That said, they keep offering it so I don't think they have trouble selling it. Will be interesting to see what happens next year.

 

[gdrj]

Yes you should be fine. The dining package allows you to sit near the front, but there is plenty of seating.

Your post reminds me of something I just don't get. Besides the fact that for the most part I don't find the music that compelling that I "need" to go see. I don't understand why I see people. many in their mobility scooters (go-karts), for what seems to be hours waiting for a 60 minute concert that is free. I've seen them when its unseasonable warm, and the Sun is beating down on them. Just never makes sense to me, just curious.

 

[Kteacher]

Thanks for the review! Sorry to hear the event didn't live up to expectations. The early entry is one of the prime WVL benefits - was it b/c of the rain? I guess I can understand that but you'd think there would be a contingency plan as rain not exactly unusual.

Did they move the bar back into WVL? In the first party, it was backstage.

Really sorry the food was sub-par. That's just adding insult to injury!

Happy to hear the manager took the feedback. Hopefully they can make some tweaks. Like you, I'm not sure I'd invest in WVL again. I agree the value just wasn't there.

Yes, they moved the bar back into the WVL, so they listened to feedback from the first PFTS in September.

 

[FastPasser.]

Here is a quick review of last night's PFTS:

While it may be a quick review, it's very thorough and concise. I share just about all of your thoughts.

The skies opened up just prior to the beginning, so people were allowed to wait inside.

Actually, that wasn't supposed to happen. Because there was lightening in the area, the CMs outside the flood gates had to move indoors. With no CMs outside at the gates to stop them, guests took it upon themselves to enter the courtyard area through the regular door next to the gates. I suspect that door will be locked next week.

The staff was in mild shock when they saw hundreds of guests coming towards them because it wasn't planned and it was much too early. There was still almost an hour before the main room would be opened. Everyone looked at each other and thought, oh, oh, now what? The room wasn't quite ready and it would be a challenge to fit everyone inside. Let them in was the reply.

Once again, if you're attending, don't arrive so early. There's no reason to be there an hour early, tables are preassigned and guaranteed.

When we checked in we were told that everyone would be allowed into the party at the same time. Previous years WVL had some extra time, so we were kind of . They did let WVL in a little early, so why we were told at check in that they weren't going to do this was confusing.

As I said in a previous post, the rain had a negative effect on a lot of things.

There were tables everywhere, which made it difficult to move around.

I did find that to be the case and I don't know why that is. If I recall correctly, previous years attendance was higher, so there should be more space to move around. I'm wondering if they're not using all of the available space in the venue? The dance floor takes up some space. Also in previous years, the space immediately after entering was filled with tables once the bulk of the guests had arrived.

The food can best be described as mediocre. It was definitely not what we've experienced in the past.

That's one thing I can't comment on. It sure did smell good though.

The entertainment was a DJ and a live band playing standards, which was nice.

I think the word "nice" describes it pretty well. Maybe it's just me, but I expected much more.

Warren, the best bartender ever, was back.

They corrected that pretty quickly. He's a happy camper again.

We're not sure we'll be back. We paid a lot to attend, and just did not feel the value was there this time.

That sentiment seems to come primarily from the Wine View Lounge guests. They should either adjust the price or add value to that category.

We spoke to a manager, who listened to our concerns, asked us questions, and entered information into her iPad.

Most non-costumed CMs who appear to be managers are not. They're coordinators or even, interns, one grade up from costumed CMs. They will hopefully relay your comments to a manager who will address your concerns.

We stressed that the staff in the WVL were outstanding.

As usual, of course. But did you at least still get a hug from Eddie? He seems to hug everyone.

So, as with anything, there may be different opinions, but for us it was probably a 4 on a scale of 1-10.

Sounds like it can't go anywhere but up. That's my attempt at "glass half full" humor.

 

[JerseyJanice]

I wonder if they will have trouble selling the Wine View Lounge next year. Seems like the guests who reviewed it on this thread weren't happy with it. Further, seems like many of these people were repeats from previous years and so are not likely to return next year.

 

[FastPasser.]

I wonder if they will have trouble selling the Wine View Lounge next year. Seems like the guests who reviewed it on this thread weren't happy with it. Further, seems like many of these people were repeats from previous years and so are not likely to return next year.

There are three more PFTS this year, so there's still time to make changes. Some things did change between parties one and two, albeit not all were in the right direction.

 

[gwynne]

There are three more PFTS this year, so there's still time to make changes. Some things did change between parties one and two, albeit not all were in the right direction.

@FastPasser. I really appreciate you posting your thoughts, and will keep an eye on this thread as the PFTS parties proceed. I do hope they continue to make changes in a positive direction.

 

[DVC4US]

Thanks so much for the the reviews of PFTS. We have been to a few of these and always enjoyed them, as a matter of fact they have become a must do when we go to F&W. We will be attending the one on 10/21 so hopefully it will live up to expectations.

@FastPasser. are you working PFTS on 10/21? If so, would love to meet you!

 

[gottalovepluto]

@FastPasser. I really appreciate you posting your thoughts, and will keep an eye on this thread as the PFTS parties proceed. I do hope they continue to make changes in a positive direction.

I also think it's a good sign something changed, they are listening, kinda, to someone at least. Hopefully after Sat they will initiate a rain & lightening PFTS plan. (Yes, it's FL so they REALLY should have had one of those already but hopefully they learned!)

 

[FastPasser.]

will keep an eye on this thread as the PFTS parties proceed.

Good idea.

We will be attending the one on 10/21 so hopefully it will live to expectations.

Which category?

are you working PFTS on 10/21?

I expect to be at all the PFTS and always a pleasure to chat with guests.

Yes, it's FL so they REALLY should have had one of those already but hopefully they learned!)

But technically we're out of the rainy season, so it was somewhat unexpected. I've been at the PFTS for a number of years and this was a first for me. All and all, it was handled as well as it could have been under the circumstances, so that in effect may be the plan. It would have helped considerably if there weren't 500 or so guests waiting at the gates an hour before they are allowed in. Guests who checked in that early at the World Showplace were encouraged to go and enjoy the park and return closer to opening time, but that didn't work out so well, they stayed anyway.

 

[VAtink]

The early entry is one of the prime WVL benefits - was it b/c of the rain?

They did the same thing at the first party when it wasn't raining, think this perk is gone.

Did they move the bar back into WVL? In the first party, it was backstage.

Woah there was a bar for WVL at the first party??? No one told us we had to go backstage for it, we asked one of the servers about it and they just told us to get drinks for the various stations around the room! Glad to see they moved it though for the next party, just wish our server had told us about it during our party!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Woah there was a bar for WVL at the first party??? No one told us we had to go backstage for it, we asked one of the servers about it and they just told us to get drinks for the various stations around the room! Glad to see they moved it though for the next party, just wish our server had told us about it during our party!

Yup. Servers didn't tell me either but I saw another server carrying a tray of martinis and mixed drinks. I don't think guests could go backstage but could place an order with your server. Happy to hear they corrected that.

 

[FastPasser.]

They did the same thing at the first party when it wasn't raining, think this perk is gone.

WVL guests can begin checking in at the front of the park at 7:15. By the time they reach the WSP, it's at least 7:30, which is the check in time for the other two categories.

I don't think guests could go backstage

Yup, no guests backstage. You'd be amazed at what's going on back there. I am.

 

[VAtink]

WVL guests can begin checking in at the front of the park at 7:15. By the time they reach the WSP, it's at least 7:30, which is the check in time for the other two categories.

You can check in within the park as well, much earlier than 7:15 for all categories. For our party this year we checked in at 6:30 at WSP, and there is no preferred check in for WVL there, everyone checks in at the same place and the same time. They took the WVL people in a bit after 7 through the backstage entrance, if you weren't there early (ie before the 7:15 arrival time they emailed) you would have missed it, which happened to the group sitting at the table next to us did so they had to enter with the other groups. Then we had just gotten into the room and put our stuff down at the table when they let everyone else in, so sadly for our party the perk of having 15 minutes in the room didn't happen. They did it last year, so I'm not sure why they would change it, shouldn't be that hard to manage!

 

[DVC4US]

Which category?
I expect to be at all the PFTS and always a pleasure to chat with guests.

We will be Reserved.

I have to admit I have always been one of those that get there early to check-in because I want to be one of the first in the door. The last time we did reserved we could check-in and then they had a line we could wait in until they were ready to sit us at our table and I believe they gave us a wrist band. From what I've read I guess they aren't doing this anymore so how are they showing people to their tables? Can we check-in earlier, get a wrist band, and then return around 7:30? The event starts at 7:30 so I don't want to be tied up in a line wasting my event time.

 

[randumb0]

The last time we did reserved we could check-in and then they had a line we could wait in until they were ready to sit us at our table and I believe they gave us a wrist band. From what I've read I guess they aren't doing this anymore so how are they showing people to their tables?

I have been wondering the same thing